cutscenes Archives

AppWizard

May 7, 2026

Free RPG Deemed ‘Cosy Minecraft’, Available To Play On Steam

Adrift is a new free game on Steam that offers a tranquil gaming experience similar to Minecraft but with a cozier vibe. Players explore a serene forest environment, focusing on relaxation rather than building and crafting. The gameplay involves wandering through the forest, collecting materials, and crafting items to uncover hidden tunnels. The game features a map system to highlight points of interest and a Walk Draw feature that allows players to sketch their paths. The soundtrack, composed by ShantHennessy, enhances the calming atmosphere. Adrift is currently in early access, offers about an hour of gameplay, and includes a single achievement. A price increase is expected once the game reaches full release.

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

This month’s Humble Choice is offering one of the best turnbased sicko RPGs of the century for an all time low $15—plus you get 8 other games including Diablo 4

Atlus is known for its JRPGs, with Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance being highlighted as a standout title. The game offers a straightforward, turn-based creature-collecting experience with minimal dialogue and cutscenes, making it engaging for players. SMT 5 features two campaigns that provide strategic turn-based combat without lengthy narratives. It is currently available through the Humble Choice bundle for a limited time, priced at a single month's subscription, which includes seven additional games. The bundle features titles such as Diablo 4 and Crysis 3 Remastered. Kerry Brunskill rated SMT 5 a 91 out of 100, calling it "an essential RPG."

AppWizard

May 3, 2026

You’re not crazy, that one sewer puzzle in Half-Life 2 really did used to be harder

YouTuber Ocelot has analyzed the various versions of Half-Life 2, highlighting significant differences among them. The retail version was enhanced during its re-release in the Orange Box, which included a higher-resolution Alyx. The game received a major update for its 20th anniversary, featuring improvements such as better lighting effects, refined fire and blood visuals, changes to G-Man's eye design, and variations in cloth texture shininess. Notably, the original version lacked on-screen chapter titles. Ocelot also discussed the evolution of gameplay elements, specifically the buoyancy puzzle in Route Kanal, which was more challenging in earlier builds but has been simplified in the current version. Additionally, he explored console ports and a rare Japanese arcade version that included multiplayer and a condensed story mode.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

007 First Light perfectly balances cinematic Bond action with Hitman’s signature sandbox freedom

The game "007 First Light" features a balance between open-world exploration and linear action, successfully merging Bond-style storytelling with gameplay mechanics. Players experience three distinct levels, including a narrative introduction, an MI6 training arena, and a museum setting that encourages strategic gameplay. The museum level allows for various approaches to objectives, such as stealth and impersonation. Combat mechanics differ from the Hitman series, with Bond engaging in stylish confrontations rather than relying solely on stealth. Players can utilize gadgets, including a laser watch, which require resource management. The game boasts impressive visuals and character portrayal, with a focus on realism and immersion. The developers aim to appeal to a broad audience of Bond fans, ensuring an engaging experience.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

Age of Empires 2: The Age of Kings retrospective – The millennial medieval masterwork proves that there’s more to RTS than killing and destruction

Age of Empires II features four primary resources: wood, gold, food, and stone, simplifying the strategic landscape. The game is known for its rich visual design, captivating soundtrack, and blend of historical fact with storytelling. It allows players to engage in both military strategy and city-building, creating a tranquil atmosphere despite the looming presence of war. The game's music, composed by Stephen Rippy, enhances the gameplay experience. Historical accuracy is emphasized, with campaigns narrated from unique perspectives and missions reflecting real historical events. Players gain strategic gameplay while absorbing historical knowledge through compelling narratives.

AppWizard

April 26, 2026

With Silent Hill 2’s source code still MIA, a dedicated fan has decided to restore the game’s CGI renders: ‘Takayoshi’ Sato’s work was incredible for its time’

Bloober Team's 2024 remake of Silent Hill 2 has introduced significant changes, leading fans to desire a remastered version of the original game. However, Konami has reportedly lost the source code for the final version, making a remaster challenging. A user from the r/silenthill community, Rashmunchel, is upscaling the game's CGI art, restoring various assets including model renders and cutscene stills. They confirmed the use of a generative AI upscaler but emphasized the importance of manual editing to maintain the original aesthetic. Rashmunchel's project aims to preserve the legacy of Silent Hill 2 in the absence of official efforts.

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

With Silent Hill 2’s source code still MIA, a dedicated fan has decided to restore the game’s CGI renders: ‘Takayoshi’ Sato’s work was incredible for its time’

The remake of Silent Hill 2 by Bloober Team has sparked renewed interest in the classic game, but fans desire a remastered version of the original. However, Konami has lost the source code for the final version of Silent Hill 2, making a remaster challenging. A fan named Rashmunchel from the r/silenthill community is working on restoring the game's CGI artwork, originally created by Takayoshi Sato. This restoration includes model renders, in-game images, cutscene stills, and animation frames, with a focus on a close-up of protagonist James Sunderland. Rashmunchel used a generative AI upscaler to enhance the low-quality images but refined the results in Photoshop to maintain authenticity. This grassroots effort aims to preserve the legacy of Silent Hill 2 in the absence of an official remaster.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

Former Escape From Tarkov dev says “no amount of millions of dollars can save a weak product”

The shooter game market is currently saturated with both successful and unsuccessful multiplayer titles, making it challenging for developers to stand out. Dmitri Ogorodnikov, co-head of Nomion Games, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complexities of creating a successful shooter. He points to the failures of games like Concord and Highguard, which struggled due to lackluster character design and muddled identities. Ogorodnikov believes that many big studios lose the essence of their games by relying too heavily on marketing and formulas. In contrast, Nomion aims to focus on quality gameplay and a clear vision for their upcoming title, Rush is Real, which is still in the prototyping phase. He asserts that the game will not be just another generic shooter and will prioritize unique ideas and quality over following market trends.

AppWizard

April 4, 2026

A new Crimson Desert patch adds the only RPG feature that matters: A hide helmet button

Crimson Desert has introduced an update that allows players to hide their helmets, offering customization options in the settings menu. Players can choose to make their headgear visible during cutscenes, throughout the game, only in combat, or not at all. The update also includes a new whimsical armor set and helmet for cats, improved movement controls with a "classic" option, and has been positively received, with PC Gamer awarding it a score of 80.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Crimson Desert’s commitment to cleaning up its clunky controls shines the brightest in how satisfying it feels to fly around Pywel now

Crimson Desert has undergone significant improvements since its initial release in March, with developers at Pearl Abyss addressing various concerns. Enhancements include streamlined fast travel points, the introduction of private storage for inventory management, and the resolution of issues related to breaking into locked doors. The flying mechanic has also been improved, allowing for easier and more enjoyable exploration, with Kliff now able to ascend effortlessly. Additionally, the reduction of loading cutscenes has made the world feel more inviting. Overall, these changes reflect Pearl Abyss' commitment to enhancing the gameplay experience.